7 Beginner Steps to Take Before Starting Keto

You’ve heard about the keto diet. You’ve thought about the keto diet. Now you’re at a point where you’re ready to actually try the keto diet.

Hold up. Anything worth doing is worth doing right.

Before you go all-in, make sure you’re setting yourself up for success by taking the right steps.

That way, you’re not flying in blind, but rather ensuring you’re going to commit to something, see it through to the end -- and reap all the benefits in between.

1. Research what you’re going to eat (and what you won’t be able to eat).

The keto diet is no joke. You’re going to be severely restricting your carbs. A proper keto diet calls for no more than 20-30 net carbs per day. That’s it. That means no more bread. No more refined sugar. No more carbs pretty much at all.

It also means your body will likely experience rapid weight loss because it will enter a ketogenic state where you will burn fats (instead of the usual carbs) to create energy. (Hence why people do it.) **

2. Rethink the whole “fat” thing.

Have you always been afraid to consume fat? Think it will make you just that -- fat? You’re certainly not alone. The idea that a high-fat diet creates fat is actually not true. It’s all about the kind of fats you consume -- healthy fats versus trans fats.

Going keto means you’re going to have to let go of that whole “low-fat” thing. You’re going to be eating fatty foods a lot (like a lot, a lot) -- and that’s not only okay, it’s necessary to succeed. Olive oil, butter, that white part of the meat? Those are your friends.

3. Try your hand at being a chef.

One of the biggest struggles of sticking with a keto diet is boredom. There’s two ways to combat that. The first is to get creative with your cooking skills. Follow a Pinterest board dedicated to keto recipes. Google them. Check out our blog. Just keep on innovating and trying new things so you never feel over it.

The second option (and we of course think this is the best one) is to order Diet-to-Go meals. Yep, you read that correctly. We have a diet plan specifically dedicated to keto. We’ll take the thinking out of it with our fresh, tasty, pre-prepared meals. All you do is heat them up and enjoy.

4. Tell your support network.

Like we’ve said before, sticking to the keto diet can be challenging (albeit rewarding). When something in life is challenging, leaning on friends and family can mean the difference between success and failure.

Let your loved ones know what you’re doing and how you’re going to do it. Share your goals, your timelines and your plans. Most importantly, when you do succeed, be sure to celebrate with them.

5. Prep yourself for the keto flu.

One of the things about this diet that typically hits people like a sledgehammer is those first few days. Think about it. You’re forcing your body into a state it’s probably never been in, one where it gives up its normal source of fuel and trades it in for something entirely different.

While going through that change, you’re likely going to feel lethargic, tired and low-energy. You may experience mental fogginess as well, which makes it difficult to think clearly. Be sure to pick a start-date that isn’t ahead of a week of tight deadlines or big project due-dates.

6. Consider purchasing supplements.

When your body is in ketosis, the liver goes through water and electrolytes like crazy. To keep everything in check, some people find taking potassium and sodium tablets evens things out. Don’t be afraid to up the salt on your food, drink bone broth and chow down on loads of non-starchy veggies like spinach, artichoke, broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms and celery.

7. Create a follow-up plan.

Keto is great (like really great) for losing weight rapidly.** But it’s likely not a forever-thing. Once you get to where you want to be, set yourself up for lifelong success by building out a follow-up plan.

The last thing you want to do is go back to the eating habits that got you in trouble in the first place. Avoid all that madness by knowing exactly what you’re going to eat (and not eat) afterwards.

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.